AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer Rahul Hora

AXA advocates responsible investing

For the past year, what has disrupted and plagued our lives so terribly was COVID-19. But aside from the pandemic, we also had to deal with natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and typhoons, all of which continue to hit us unexpectedly.

The constant looming cloud of environmental issues that threaten humanity’s survival is the reason why companies like AXA have committed to a climate strategy. The steps needed to help reverse the effects of climate change need to be a substantial, unified effort as we are in a race against time.

“AXA believes in the importance of investing responsibly. It recognizes the impact companies can have on the world. As a responsible institutional investor, it’s our duty to carefully consider our actions when making business decisions to make sure we leave a positive impact on our customers’ lives,” explained Rahul Hora, AXA Philippines president and chief executive officer.

At AXA, among its initiatives in mitigating climate risks is to promote the Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in everything it does. This is because AXA protects what matters to its customers – be it their lives, assets, or health. ESG can mean different things to different people or organizations. But for an insurance company, it means being a good steward of its clients’ wealth through the company’s investments.

In the overall investment process, ESG factors are integrated in the decision to invest in a company, to partner with an asset manager, or to create new investment products. The integration of ESG principles throughout the process enables a holistic view of how a sound investment decision can positively influence other companies without sacrificing economic returns. With ESG as an integral part of the investment process, we believe businesses can achieve profitability and create positive impact while they help mitigate risks in the long run.

Both companies and the people can be more socially and environmentally responsible in how they invest. This concept, known as responsible investing, is deeply rooted in the fundamental principle of “doing what is right.” Doing what is right is giving a fair wage or salary to employees. Doing what is right means complying with environmental laws and regulations. There needs to be a conscious choice now to practice a more sustainable way of doing business – a more sustainable way of living.

AXA, together with global investment partner Architas, focuses on a selection of funds from companies that are ethical, responsible, and sustainable. It’s also a way to help their clients be responsible investors.

It should be noted that AXA Philippines’ principal, the Paris-based AXA Group, and AXA Investment Managers and Architas are all signatories to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.

These days, learning more about responsible investments is the first step to making even the slightest difference in our current environmental situation. Taking that initial step to invest responsibly, even if you contribute in simple ways, is a milestone in itself. It’s a milestone because, together with AXA, you chose to make a stand.

To know more about responsible investing, visit Responsible Investing (architas.com) and https://www.axa-im.com/responsible-investing.

Clara Benin joins Sony Music Entertainment’s new Southeast Asian label ‘OFFMUTE’

OFFMUTE offers emerging artists from across all genres a dedicated platform to pursue their own creative vision and reach audiences across Southeast Asia

New artists on board include acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin, Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae

Sony Music Entertainment announced today the launch of OFFMUTE – a new pan-regional label focused on championing new and emerging Southeast Asian talent by drawing on the combined experience of Sony Music’s entire Southeast Asian team.

OFFMUTE gives emerging recording artists across all genres an opportunity to develop their own music and follow their creative vision. The new label will support Southeast Asian artists in amplifying their music and building a strong pan-regional audience base through enhanced promotional, marketing and artist development, drawn from Sony Music's global expertise and resources.

“OFFMUTE is a first-of-its-kind label in this part of the world, embracing the eclectic appeal and rich diversity that Southeast Asia has to offer, empowering artists with the resources and expertise to find success in a diverse region,” said Shridhar Subramaniam, President, Strategy and Market Development, Asia and Middle East, Sony Music Entertainment. “That offering is compelling for a new generation of artists in the region and we’re excited to help these artists fulfil their potential in the years to come.”

Ariel Fung, Executive Vice President, Sony Music Southeast Asia, expresses his enthusiasm on the label’s attempt to solidify its foothold in the global music industry. “I am so excited to see the launch of OFFMUTE which embraces different genres of artists with their unique culture and style, and with the potential of cross-border success.”

NEW OFFMUTE ARTISTS FROM PHILIPPINES, INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

OFFMUTE also announced today three new signings for the label: acclaimed Philippine singer-songwriter Clara Benin; Indonesian alt-pop sensation Mezzaluna; and Malaysian recording star liesl-mae.

An acclaimed singer-songwriter in the Philippines, Clara Benin is renowned for her captivating songs that blend unspoken ruminations with commitment and depth. Amassing more than 25 million streams on combined music platforms Spotify and YouTube, Benin frequently headlines local and international music festivals, and won multiple awards including Wishclusive Contemporary Folk Performance of the Year for her song “I Rose up Slowly”.

Roslyn Pineda, General Manager, Sony Music Philippines, speaks of Benin’s potential to leave a mark with the international audience. “When my team and I discussed the vision for OFFMUTE, we immediately thought Clara Benin embodied what the label was all about,” Pineda reveals. “And it’s great that the other markets think so too. With a Southeast Asian team supporting her, we’re thrilled that Clara’s moving vocals and introspective songwriting will reach new audiences across the region.”

Another addition to the OFFMUTE family is Mezzaluna, a talented and gifted singer-songwriter based in Indonesia who comes from strong musical lineage and quickly emerged as a standout artist with incredible achievements in her own right. With deep, soulful vocals and an intensely personal storytelling style, the 20-year-old alt-pop sensation marks her journey as a solo star capable of delivering inspiring and powerful songs with a universal reach. She will be releasing her debut single this year, which OFFMUTE will be amplifying across the region.

Malaysia’s liesl-mae completes the record label’s wide-ranging selection of music acts. Making waves in the Malaysian music scene with her soothing, almost-lullaby-like tunes, the recording star will now see her talent showcased across Southeast Asia through OFFMUTE. She plans to release her own music and collaborate with other artists under the new label, as well as harness her newfound platform to advocate for mental health education and awareness.

It’s never too late to make good with your New Year’s resolution of living a healthier lifestyle this 2021 – all you need is the right motivation to start! Last February 27, Globe At Home subscribers were able to get the push to begin their fitness journey with Reinvent Wellness @ Home, a virtual fitfest for all, streamed live on its official Facebook Page.

Globe At Home Enables Everyone to Kick Start Their Wellness Journey With Virtual Fitfest

Globe At Home ambassadors highlighted different facets of holistic health and wellness during the fit fest, focusing on the importance of not only keeping the body fit but also eating right and prioritizing self-care.

To start off the day, the Arellano Family led a fun warm up for the participants where they showed simple and easy ways to stretch and ready the body for a workout. After that, Electric Studio’s Jay Avella together with Martin Javier and Chino Roque demonstrated the basics of rhythm boxing to the beat of BLACKPINK hits, showing why it's a great and must-try full body workout.

Proper diet is also an important factor in achieving a healthy lifestyle that’s why Kryz Uy and Slater Young shared their tried and tested meal prep recipe for a hearty, healthy breakfast as well as tips on how to prep meals easier for the whole family.

Finally, for the topic of self-care, Maris Racal shared her morning routine consisting of meditating, working out, and doing her skin care on the daily to the viewers. Dr. Gia Sison also discussed ways we can take care of our emotional health while Neri Miranda talked about tools families can use to reinvent wellness: telehealth service KonsultaMD that users can get for free with Globe At Home plans, and GInsure that offers multiple insurance products at affordable prices.

An exclusive BLACKPINK-themed indoor cycling party via Zoom was also held on the same day as part of the virtual fitfest. Led by Coach Kyla Cho from Electric Studio, over 100 participants pedalled their way to start their fitness journey for the year.

To re-watch this exciting event, head on over to the World at Home platform, here! Loyal subscribers can expect more exciting events and promos in the coming months as part of the many perks and rewards from Globe At Home on top of a fast and reliable internet connection. If you wish to know more about Globe At Home Plans, go to shop.globe.com.ph.

SB19

SB19 stakes its claim to global domination with larger-than-life single “What?”

After exciting the public with impressive teasers that raised the bar to global standards, SB19 finally unravels a new music era that not only elevates their sense of creative aptitude and sonic ambition, but also uncovers their range and discipline as thespians of their own craft.

Released today via Sony Music Philippines, their new single “What?” stakes its claim to global domination with a contagiously massive sound that’s larger and louder than life. Veering away from the glossy, dance-pop tunes and anthemic ballads of Get In The Zone, SB19 are pushing the envelope production and songwriting-wise on their latest track, as they command supremacy of P-Pop’s explosion in the global market without resorting to formulaic tricks and pandering to trends.

This time, the acclaimed boy band are transcending the genre that positioned them to become the formidable stars that they are now: comfortable with the convergence of personalities, styles, and influences — while embracing a musicality that is hard to pin down, and refuses to be categorized. “The song ‘What?’ is really different from what we have done before,” main rapper and lead vocalist Pablo shares in a statement. “This one has a more aggressive take to it compared to our previous songs, so I really had to force out the ‘oomph’ in the voices of the members. I was really meticulous with the recordings, but so were they. That's why we would record 'til morning and until everyone was satisfied with their parts. The feeling had to be there.”

SB19’s very own Pablo, who is also credited as one of the songwriters and producers of SB19’s latest song, reveals that “What?” proves that they’re “not just here to play games or act cool.” He admits, “A lot of people still doubt us, denouncing everything that we do and everything that we're trying to achieve. We love what we do, that's why we do it respectfully. ‘What?’ is about self-love and empowerment. Each of us has our own flag. We should be proud of it and raise it as much as we can. As SB19 and as individuals, we know that we're not the best at everything, but that shouldn't stop us from what we want to achieve.”

The release of the song comes with a visual accompaniment that marks a triumphant return to the band’s groundbreaking aesthetic and empowering message. The music video of “What?” shows SB19 in battle mode as they claim freedom in a fictional, post-apocalyptic war zone, and exude an aura of power and longevity to go along with its cinematic appeal.

SB19’s “What?” is the first single off the award-winning group’s yet-to-be-revealed but highly anticipated follow-up to their debut album, Get In The Zone. The song will be available on all digital platforms worldwide this March 9, 2021 (7:00pm Manila time) via Sony Music Philippines.

Stay tuned for SB19’s live launch performance, which will air on the band’s Facebook and YouTube pages at 7:30pm, Manila time — on the same day.

An ‘Inevitable’ Pairing: How Ben&Ben’s music made it to Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin’s TVC for Smart

While it was important for Smart to grant wishes of its subscribers when it comes to bringing consumers closer to their foreign idols, the latest Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin TVC presented an opportunity to put a Filipino band behind the soundtrack and musical scoring.

Here’s where Ben&Ben comes in, providing “Inevitable,” the song that is heard in the background while Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin pursue each other in this romantic-sci-fi TVC.

With lyrics inspired by real-life events, Ben&Ben members simply happen to be CLOY fans as well. In a collaboration set to motion by the band, Smart, and Sony Music, things started falling into place when it came to lending soundtrack and musical score for this collaborative campaign.

In an official statement released by Sony Music, lead singer Paolo Benjamin said, “Inevitable is a song that tries to describe the nature of fate, and how all our actions somehow lead us to some better place that is destined for us. It’s also a song about being real with someone, and that no matter how scary that may seem at times, there is freedom in baring your truest nature with someone dear to you, even if that someone is yourself.”

Miguel Benjamin added, “The songwriting in itself presents a concept of the state that is both a surreal mystery and a peaceful certainty, so we wanted to create an aural representation of what these lyrics felt like. Our process started with a mix of acoustic guitars, which I tweaked with sitar effects as the main intro riff; kind of like a representation of the two contrasting feelings working together.”

About the Smart 5G Campaign

The TVC, which serves as a joint project top-billed by Korean drama stars Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin, is part of the new Smart 5G campaign to make what seemed impossible, possible.

From “The Captain Has Landed” to landing into each other’s arms, Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin took chemistry to a whole new level in the Smart 5G TVC as they chase each other on the road and through different dimensions only to meet again just as Bin asks, “Do you believe it’s possible?” To which Ye Jin replies, “I do!”

Smart has put together Hyun Bin and Son Ye Jin together in one project for the first time much like the latest development with Smart 5G, which has started enabling subscribers to do groundbreaking things we thought we couldn’t do.

The TVC was even made more powerful thanks to Ben&Ben’s “Inevitable” complementing the top-tier material.

10 Essential Tools To Have In Your Home

Every homeowner must keep tools at home they can pick up for specific projects. This toolkit will serve as a “first aid” to prevent further damage to your homes.

Here are 10 essential tools you should keep at home for any sudden repair or maintenance.

Claw Hammer

Clawed hammer is commonly found in repair shops near you. The claw allows it to pull out bent nails on wood and on concrete. Getting a clawed hammer also helps in some minor demolitions like misplaced wooden planks and kitchen mishaps.

Philips Screwdriver

A Philips screwdriver comes in handy when you need to remove or tighten up a screw. It can also be useful for any repairs that you may encounter at home.

Needle Nose Pliers

Pliers are great for fixing or knotting electrical wires such as in your car, an appliance and lighting situation. The perfect types you can get are needle nose pliers, slip-joint or cutting pliers.

Self-retracting Tape Measure

Having a tape measure in your toolbox is essential for when you need to get accurate measurements of the materials you’re working on. Most home repairs need a self-retracting metal tape measure that can make things easier for everybody. You can use this when putting up frames, cabinets or maybe nailing down shelves.

Utility Knife

You should always be ready with a utility knife for cutting, scraping and other tasks that need a sharp blade.

Grit Sandpaper

Plastering areas prior to repair or renovation is necessary when handling leaky faucets or repainting the walls. A sheet of grit sandpaper is a basic plastering tool that can be used to smoothen out rough or uneven surfaces better than a wet sponge.

Metal Hand Saw

A hand saw is a superb choice for general repairs and improvements at your home. It makes quick and clean cuts, and is very easy and light to handle. This is a better option among the several types of mechanical saws that are most commonly used for heavy construction and industrial repairs.

Cordless Drill

A cordless drill can be utilized for purposes such as drilling into walls or driving down screws. Since it’s portable, you can carry it without the danger of tripping over long cords.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is one of the staple house tools among the other essentials found in every toolbox. You can use it for patching wirings, leaks and can also be used as adhesive for different items at home.

Flashlight

When doing major repairs around the house, using a phone flashlight just won’t do. A medium-sized flashlight should do the trick or get a LED lamp so you can see what you’re working on more clearly.

These are only a few house tools that you should have in store for whenever you repair or do minor renovations especially in old houses.

However with BellaVita, home repairs won’t be necessary because BellaVita homes offer only well-built properties set in a great neighborhood in areas near you. Find them on Facebook to know updates and available houses for you and your family.

Reinvent Family Bonding With Globe and Disney’s “Unboxing Celebrations”

Reinvent Family Bonding With Globe and Disney’s “Unboxing Celebrations”

Each new year brings a fresh perspective, a new way of looking at things that helps us make each day better than before. With the situation we are all facing, we need to do more than just get by, especially where our home and family are concerned. In the coming year, we need to reinvent the way we do things for ourselves and our loved ones. Fortunately for parents, Globe and The Walt Disney Company Philippines bring “Unboxing Celebrations”, a fresh new collection of fun activities that you can do with your children at home, featuring some of Disney’s beloved characters.

“Unboxing Celebrations” has a lot in store for kids and kids at heart, starting with easy DIY instructional videos that will surely pique the interest and creativity of the little ones. Last Christmas, it featured the following activities perfect for the whole family to enjoy:

Fun DIYs

Give the classic gingerbread house a twist by designing it based on Carl and Ellie’s charming home in Disney and Pixar’s “Up” or make time more exciting by decorating it with latte art inspired by “Frozen II”. And since cheese boards have become quite the trend today, learn how you can make it into a Mickey-themed one and impress your friends on social media.

Magical recipes

The kitchen is a place where a lot of magic can happen. Don your apron and let the kids give a hand in making tasty Frozen Snowflake Waffle Donut, Mickey Mouse Gingerbread Cookies, and Wookie Cookie Cups. They can also help in cleaning up after!

Crafts & Gift Ideas

Bring out the scissors and glue because it’s crafting time! Have your kids create their own pretty Christmas decors like Disney Princes holiday trees, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Holiday Stocking, and Finding Dory Wreath to be displayed in your home.

Story Time

Finally, fans of the Frozen franchise will surely love to read or listen to more adventures of their favorite Frozen characters Elsa, Anna, and Olaf! Your children can even reenact these tales complete with costume and props.

Last December, Disney and Globe also brought Christmas experiences through a virtual DIY arts and crafts session with a first of its kind e-meet and greet with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, Christmas downloadable e-cards, and exclusive Disney gift boxes with surprise items from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars for lucky Globe customers.

You can still check out and follow these videos on disney.ph/unboxingcelebrations and watch out for more magical experiences you can do at home only from Globe and Disney.

Holidays @ Home: Globe At Home Brings the Christmas We Love With a Digital Paskuhan

If you’re looking for ideas on how you can recreate your holidays at home, Globe At Home will hold a digital Paskuhan @ Home for the whole month of December featuring interactive rooms, online games and LIVE events that will surely amp up your holiday cheer. Subscribers can recreate holiday traditions at home with the World @ Home Digital Platform at: www.globeworldathome.com.

Live Christmas show with Globe At Home ambassadors.

Join the Arellanos live on Dec 19 on the Globe At Home facebook page and Learn how to spruce up the dining table with a fancy yet easy table set-up lesson from design guru Elle Uy. Be inspired as Richard and Ashley Yap give you DIY holiday food ideas that the whole family will enjoy. Celebrity entrepreneur Neri Miranda will also guide online negosyantes on how to maximize their online business this Christmas and beyond.

There will also be a Christmas Bazaar on the World @ Home Digital Platform from December 11 to 31 in partnership with Unilever Food Solutions where you can learn easy to prepare, tasty recipes to add to your Noche Buena feast.

Have (virtual) fun with friends.

Christmas parties are a no-go for this year but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate with your barkada this season. Aside from e-numans, you can also team up with your friends in two holiday-themed virtual escape room games courtesy of Mystery Manila from December 13 to 20 or hold an online karaoke party using the WeSing app! Get the chance to win a Bluetooth microphone if you post your karaoke video on social media with the hashtag #GlobePaskuhanAtHome from December 18 to 31.

Meet the stars.

Know how the Arellanos and your other favorite celebrities are recreating their Christmas at home at Globe At Home’s all-star live show on December 19.

And just in time for the much-awaited 2020 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) on Upstream and GMovies, catch the stars of this year’s entries as they answer your questions exclusively on the virtual platform on December 18, 23, and 27.

Let out your inner child.

Kids and kids at heart will surely be delighted to meet Mickey, Minnie, and other special friends from Disney on December 27. You can also get access to the exclusive Globe At Home Disney Christmas e-card from December 17 to 31 via the virtual platform, and send it to your loved ones wherever they are in the world.

Enjoy the gift of music.

Usher in the Christmas spirit as you listen to classic carols at the Christmas Caroling Live happening from December 21 to 28, MWF at 7PM. And just in case you’re missing the usual flurry of gigs during this season, Globe will also hold the Holi-Jams year-ender concert on the World @ Home Digital Platform featuring December Avenue and up-and-coming local acts like Wonggoys, The Dukes, and LaLuna at Concert on December 20.

Experience #GlobePaskuhanAtHome platform best with Globe At Home Prepaid WiFi 999 and Postpaid Unli Plans and recreate the #ChristmasWeLove even at home!

To register and experience the World Right at Home, log on to glbe.co/worldathome-register.

Daddy O!

AXA advocates responsible investing

Shave and go with Blackwater Soft Touch Razor

Shave and go with Blackwater Soft Touch Razor